Air cleaner

ABSTRACT

An air cleaner is provided that may include a first air cleaning module having a first fan that generates air flow from a first suction inlet toward a first discharge outlet; a second air cleaning module having a second fan that generates air flow from a second suction inlet toward a second discharge outlet; a dividing plate provided between the first air cleaning module and the second air cleaning module; and a display provided at inside of the dividing plate and in which a light source is provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 and 35U.S.C. 365 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0073083 filed inKorea on Jun. 13, 2016, No. 10-2016-0023663 filed in Korea on Feb. 26,2016, and No. 10-2016-0139376 filed in Korea on Oct. 25, 2016, which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

An air cleaner is disclosed herein.

2. Background

An air cleaner is a device that suctions in and purifies contaminatedair and then discharges purified air. For example, the air cleaner mayinclude a blower that introduces outside air into the air cleaner and afilter capable of filtering dust and bacteria, for example.

Generally, the air cleaner is configured to purify an Indoor space, suchas a home or an office. According to the air cleaner in the related art,there is a problem that a capacity thereof is limited, and thus,purification of air in an entire indoor space is limited. Accordingly,air around the air cleaner is purified whereas air in a space away fromthe air cleaner is not purified.

In order to solve this problem, there are efforts to improve aperformance of a fan provided in the air cleaner. However, noisegenerated by the fan gradually increases as a blowing amount of the fanincreases. Accordingly, there is a problem is that reliability of theproduct is decreased. Finally, there is inconvenience that the aircleaner has to be moved by a user in order to purify air in the desiredspace.

A related art air cleaner is disclosed in Korean Publication No.KR10-2012-0071992 published on Jul. 3, 2012 and entitled AIR CLEANER,which is hereby incorporated by reference. According to this disclosure,air cleaning components, such as the fan and a filter are installed, inan inside of a case having a substantially rectangular parallelepipedshape of a main body of the air cleaner. Air suction ports are formed ona side portion and a lower portion of the main body of the air cleanerand an air discharge port is formed on an upper portion of the main bodythereof.

According to this configuration, there is a problem in that a suctioncapacity is reduced as the contaminated air is suctioned from a limiteddirection, that is, from a side direction and a lower direction relativeto the air cleaner. A corner portion of the case having a rectangularparallelepiped shape provides structural resistance interfering with thesuction of air.

In addition, there is a problem that an air cleaning function is limitedas purified air does not flow to a space away from the air cleaner,whereas air around the air cleaner is purified. That is, the air whichis purified in the air cleaner is discharged in only one direction, thatis, only in an upward direction. Further, there is a problem that ablowing capacity is limited as only one blowing fan is provided in themain body of the air cleaner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the followingdrawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air cleaner according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an internal configuration ofthe air cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line III-III′ in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first blowing device of theair cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a first fan and a first guideof the air cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a guide rib of the air cleaner of FIG.1;

FIG. 7 is a view of a portion of the air cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a dividing plate andcomponents coupled to the dividing plate according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the dividing plate andcomponents coupled to the dividing plate of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a disposition state of the dividing plateand a first discharge guide according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of portion “A” in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling between a lightingprinted circuit board (PCB) device and a first plate according to anembodiment;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting PCB device andthe first plate according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective of the lighting PCB device accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a state in which light emitted from alight source is transferred toward outside of the air cleaner accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a state in which the light emitted fromthe light source is transferred toward outside of the air cleaneraccording to another embodiment; and

FIG. 18 to FIG. 20 are views illustrating an air flow state in the aircleaner of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference tothe illustrative drawings. Regarding the reference numerals assigned tothe components in the drawings, it should be noted that the samecomponents may be designated by the same reference numerals, whereverpossible, even though they are shown in different drawings. Also, in thedescription of embodiments, specific description of known relatedconfiguration or functions may be omitted when it is deemed that suchdescription may cause ambiguous interpretation of the present invention.

Also, in the description of embodiments, terms such as first, second, A,B, (a), (b) or the like may be used herein when describing components.Each of these terminologies is not used to define an essence, order orsequence of a corresponding component but used merely to distinguish thecorresponding component from other component(s). In a case where it isdescribed that any component is “connected” or “coupled” to anothercomponent, the component may be directly or indirectly connected orcoupled to another component. However, it is to be understood thatanother component may be “connected” or “coupled” between thecomponents.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air cleaner according to anembodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the air cleaner 10 according tothis embodiment may include blowing devices or blowers 100 and 200 thatgenerate air flow and a flow adjusting device or adjuster 300 thatadjusts a discharge direction of the air flow generated in the blowingdevices 100 and 200. The blowing devices 100 and 200 may include a firstblowing device 100 that generates a first air flow and a second blowingdevice 200 that generates a second air flow.

The first blowing device 100 and the second blowing device 200 may beprovided in a vertical direction. For example, the second blowing device200 may be provided on or at an upper side of the first blowing device100. In this case, the first air flow is a flow of indoor air suctionedfrom a lower side of the air cleaner 10 and the second air flow is aflow of indoor air suctioned from an upper side of the air cleaner 10.

The air cleaner 10 may include cases 101 and 201 that form an outerappearance thereof. That is, the cases 101 and 201 may include a firstcase 101 that forms an outer appearance of the first blowing device 100.The first case 101 may have a cylindrical shape. An upper portion of thefirst case 101 may have a diameter which is less than a diameter of alower portion thereof. That is, the first case 101 may have a truncatedcone shape.

The first blowing device 100 and the second blowing device 200 may bereferred to as a “first air cleaning module or cleaner 100” and a“second air cleaning module or cleaner 200”, respectively, in that thefirst blowing device 100 and the second blowing device 200 perform afunction of cleaning air in a space to be cleaned. The first blowingdevice 100 may be referred to as a “lower air cleaning module orcleaner” or “lower module or cleaner” in that the first blowing device100 is provided at a lower portion of the air cleaner 10 and the secondblowing device 200 may be referred to as an “upper air cleaning moduleor cleaner” or “upper module or cleaner” in that the second blowingdevice 200 is provided at an upper portion of the air cleaner 10. Theflow adjusting device 300 may be referred to as “flow adjusting moduleor adjuster 300” or “flow control module 300”.

The first case 101 may include a first separation portion 101 a at whichtwo parts which constitute the first case 101 may be assembled ordisassembled. The first case 101 may further include a hinge portion orhinge which is provided on an opposite of the first separation portion101 a. The two parts may be capable of being relatively rotated aboutthe hinge portion.

When at least any one part of the two parts rotates, the first case 101may be opened and separated from the air cleaner 10. A locking device orlock may be provided at a portion at which the two parts are coupled,that is, a side opposite to the hinge portion. The locking device mayinclude a locking projection or a magnet or coupler. Components of thefirst blowing device 100 may be replaced or repaired by opening thefirst case 101.

The first case 101 may include a first suction portion or inlet 102through which air may be suctioned in a radial direction. The firstsuction portion 102 may include one or more through hole formed to passthrough at least a portion of the first case 101. A plurality of firstsuction portions 102 may be provided.

The plurality of first suction portions 102 may be evenly provided in acircumferential direction along an outer circumferential surface of thefirst case 101 so that air suction may be performed in any directionrelative to the first case 101. That is, air may be suctioned in 360degree directions relative to a center line that extends in the verticaldirection and passes through an inside center of the first case 101.

Accordingly, a suction amount of air may be increased by the first case101 having a cylindrical shape and the plurality of first suctionportions 102 formed along the outer circumferential surface of the firstcase 101. Flow resistance to suctioned air may be reduced by avoiding acube shape having edges or edge portions such as the case of the relatedart air cleaner.

Air which is suctioned in through the first suction portion 102 may flowsubstantially in the radial direction from the outer circumferentialsurface of the first case 101. Directions may be defined as follows.Referring to the FIG. 1, the vertical direction may refer to an axialdirection and a transverse direction may refer to the radial direction.The axial direction may correspond to a central axis direction of thefirst fan 160 and the second fan 260, which are described hereinafter,that is, a motor shaft direction of the fan. The radial direction mayrefer to a direction which is perpendicular to the axial direction. Thecircumferential direction may refer to a virtual circle direction whichis formed when rotating about the axial direction and having a distanceof the radial direction as a rotational radius.

The first blowing device 100 may include a base 20 provided at a lowerside of the first case 101 and placed on the ground. The base 20 may bepositioned spaced apart from a lower end portion or end of the firstcase 101 in a downward direction. A base suction portion or inlet 103may be formed in a space between the first case 101 and the base 20.

Air which is suctioned in through the base suction portion 103 may flowin an upward direction through a suction port 112 of a suction grill 110(see FIG. 2), which may be provided in or at an upper side of the base20. That is, the first blowing device 100 may include the plurality ofsuction portions 102 and the base suction portion 103. Air in a lowerportion of the indoor space may be easily introduced to the firstblowing device 100 through the plurality of suction portions 102 and thebase suction portion 103. Accordingly, the suction amount of air may beincreased.

A first discharge portion or outlet 105 may be formed at an upperportion of the first blowing device 100. The first discharge portion 105may be formed on a first discharge grill 195 of a first discharge guidedevice or guide 190 (see, FIG. 8) which may be provided in the firstblowing device 100. The first discharge guide 190 may form an outerappearance of an upper end portion or end of the first blowing device100. Air discharged through the first discharge portion 105 may flow tothe upper side in the axial direction.

The cases 101 and 201 may include a second case 201 which may form anouter appearance of the second blowing device 200. The second case 201may have a cylindrical shape. An upper portion of the second case 201may have a diameter which is less than a diameter of a lower portionthereof. That is, the second case 201 may have a truncated cone shape.

The second case 201 may include two parts and a hinge portion or hingewhich are capable of being assembled or being disassembled through asecond separation portion 201 a. The second case 201 may be openablesimilar to the first case 101. The second case 201 may be the same orsimilar to the first case 101, and thus, repetitive disclosure has beenomitted. Inner components of the second blowing device 200 may bereplaced or repaired by opening the second case 201.

A diameter of a lower end portion of the second case 201 may be lessthan a diameter of the upper end portion or end of the first case 101.Accordingly, in a general shape of the cases 101 and 201, a lowercross-sectional area of the cases 101 and 102 may be formed to begreater than an upper cross-sectional area. Accordingly, the air cleaner10 may be stably supported on the ground.

The second case 201 may include a second suction portion or inlet 202through which air may be suctioned in the radial direction. The secondsuction portion 202 may include one or more through hole formed to passthrough at least a portion of the second case 201. A plurality of thesecond suction portion 202 may be provided.

The plurality of second suction portions 202 may be evenly provided inthe circumferential direction along an outer circumferential surface ofthe second case 201 so that air suction may be performed in anydirection relative to the second case 201. That is, air may be suctionedin 360 degree directions relative to a center line that extends in thevertical direction and passes through an inside center of the secondcase 201.

Accordingly, a suction amount of air may be increased by the second case201 having a cylindrical shape and the plurality of second suctionportions 202 formed along the outer circumferential surface of thesecond case 201. Flow resistance to suctioned air may be reduced byavoiding a cube shape having an edge portions such as the case of therelated are air cleaner. Air which is suctioned in through the secondsuction portion 202 may flow substantially in the radial direction fromthe outer circumferential surface of the second case 201.

The air cleaner 10 may include a dividing device or divider 400 providedbetween the first blowing device 100 and the second blowing device 200.By the dividing device 400, the second blowing device 200 may bepositioned at the upper side of the first blowing device 100 spacedapart therefrom. The dividing device 400 will be described hereinafter,with reference to the drawings.

The flow adjusting device 300 may be provided at an upper side of thesecond blowing device 100. An air flow path of the second blowing device100 may communicate with an air flow path of the flow adjusting device300. The air passing through the second blowing device 100 may bedischarged through a second discharge portion or outlet 305 to theoutside via the air flow path of the flow adjusting device 300. Thesecond discharge portion 305 may be provided on or at an upper endportion of the flow adjusting device 300.

The flow adjusting device 300 may be movable. That is, the flowadjusting device 300 may be movable between a laid-out state (firstposition), as illustrated in FIG. 1, or an inclined state (secondposition), as illustrated in FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, as describedhereinafter.

A display device 600 that displays operation information of the aircleaner 10 may be provided in or at an upper portion of the flowadjusting device 300. The display device 600 may move along with theflow adjusting device 300.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an internal configuration ofthe air cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken alongline III-III′ in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of afirst blowing device of the air cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an explodedperspective view of a first fan and a first guide device of the aircleaner of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a guide rib of theair cleaner of FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 6, a base 20 and a suction grill 110,which may be disposed on or at an upper side of the base 20, may beincluded in the first blowing device 100 according to this embodiment.The base 20 may include a base main body 21, which may be placed on theground, and a base projecting portion or projection 22 that projectsfrom the base main body 21 in the upward direction and on which thesuction grill 110 may be placed. The base projecting portion 22 may beprovided at both sides of the base 20.

The base main body 21 and the suction grill 110 may be spaced apart fromeach other by the base projecting portion 22. The base suction portion103 which forms a suction space of air may be included between the base20 and the suction grill 110.

The suction grill 110 may include a grill main body 111 having asubstantially ring shape and a rim portion or rim 110 a that protrudesfrom an outer circumferential surface of the grill main body 111 in theupward direction. By the configuration of the grill main body 111 andthe rim portion 111 a, the suction grill 110 may have a steppedstructure.

The suction grill 110 may include a suction portion or inlet 112 formedon the rim portion 111 a. The suction portion 112 may protrude along acircumference of the rim portion 111 a in the upward direction andextend in a circumferential direction. In addition, a plurality ofsuction holes 112 a may be formed in the suction portion 112. Theplurality of suction holes 112 a may communicate with the base suctionportion 103.

Air suctioned in through the plurality of suction holes 112 a and thebase suction portion 103 may pass through a first filter member orfilter 120. The first filter may have a cylindrical shape and a filtersurface that filters air. The air passing through the plurality ofsuction holes 112 a may be introduced to an inside portion of the firstfilter 120 by passing through an outer circumferential surface of thecylindrical first filter 120.

The suction grill 110 may further include a movement guide portion orguide 113 that protrudes from a top surface of the grill main body 111in the upward direction to guide movement of the first filter 120 in theupward or downward direction. The movement guide 113 may be configuredto have a shape further protruding in the circumferential direction fromthe top surface of the grill main body 111. That is, the movement guide113 may have an inclined surface that protrudes in the circumferentialdirection.

A plurality of movement guides 113 may be provided to be spaced apartfrom each other in the circumferential direction. For example, as shownin FIG. 4, four movement guides 113 may be provided. However, a numberof the movement guides 113 is not limited thereto.

The grill main body 111 may further include a groove portion or groove114 which provides a space in which a handle 144 described hereinaftermay be movable. The groove 113 form at least a portion of the grill mainbody 111, and may be a portion at which the suction portion 112 is notformed in the rim portion of the grill main body 111.

The first blowing device 100 may include a lever device or lever 142,which may be provided on or at an upper side of the suction grill 110and which may be operable by a user. The lever device 142 may berotatable in the circumferential direction.

The lever device 142 may include a lever main body 143, which may have asubstantially ring shape and be rotatable. In addition, a plurality ofcut-out portions or cut-outs disposed or provided at positionscorresponding to the plurality of movement guides 113 may be formed inthe lever main body 143. The plurality of cut-out portions 145 may bethrough holes formed in the lever main body 143.

The plurality of cut-out portions 145 may be arranged in thecircumferential direction of the lever main body 143 spaced apart fromeach other. In addition, each of the cut-out portions 145 may be roundedwith a predetermined curvature in the circumferential direction,corresponding to the curvature of an outer circumferential surface ofthe lever main body 143.

The lever device 142 may be supported on the upper surface of the grillmain body 111. If the lever device 142 is supported by the grill mainbody 111, the plurality of movement guides 113 may be inserted into theplurality of cut-out portions 145. The plurality of movement guides 113may protrude from the plurality of cut-out portions 145 in the upwarddirection by passing through the plurality of cut-out portions 145.

A length of each of the cut-out portions 145 may be formed longer than alength of the movement guide 113. Thus, the lever device 142 may rotatein a state in which the movement guide 113 is inserted into the cut-outportion 145. In addition, one end portion or end of the movement guide113 may interfere with one end portion or end of the cut-out portion 145in a process in which the lever device 142 rotates in one direction, andthe other end portion or end of the movement guide 113 may interferewith the other end portion or end of the cut-out portion 145. A secondhandle 144 may be provided at the outer circumferential surface of thelever main body 143.

A supporting device 140 that supports the first filter 120 may beprovided on an upper side of the lever device 142. The supporting device140 may include a first handle 141 coupled to the second handle 144. Auser may grasp the first and second handles 141 and 144 and then rotatesthe lever main body 143 and the supporting device 140 in a clockwisedirection or in a counterclockwise direction.

The lever device 142 may support a lower surface of the supportingdevice 140. A support projecting portion or projection (not shown),which may be in contact with the movement guide 113, may be provided onthe supporting device 140. The support projecting portion may protrudedownward from the lower surface of the supporting device 140, and may beprovided at a position corresponding to the movement guide 113. Inaddition, a shape of the support projecting portion may correspond to ashape of the movement guide 113, and the support projecting portion mayinclude an inclined surface formed to further protrude in thecircumferential direction.

A direction in which the movement guide 113 gradually projects and adirection in which the support projecting portion gradually projects maybe opposite to each other. For example, when the direction in which themovement guide 113 gradually projects is the counterclockwise direction,the direction in which the support projecting portion gradually projectsmay be clockwise direction.

The support projecting portion may be disposed or provided at a positioncorresponding to the cut-out portion 145. That is, the movement guide113 and the support projecting portion may be disposed or provided at aposition at which they are inserted into the cut-out portion 145.

The lever device 142 and the supporting device 140 may rotate together.In the rotation process, the movement guide 113 and the supportprojecting portion may interfere with each other. If a lower portion ofthe support projecting portion and an upper portion of the movementguide 113 are in contact with each other, the lever device 142 and thesupporting device 140 may be lifted in the upward direction. Inaddition, the first filter 120 supported by the supporting device 140may be in a state in which the first filter 120 is coupled to the firstblowing device 100 while moving in the upward direction.

On the other hand, if the lower portion of the support projectingportion and the upper portion of the movement guide 113 are in contactwith each other or if inference between the support projecting portionand the movement guide 113 is released, the lever device 142 and thesupporting device 140 may move downward. In addition, the first filter120 supported by the supporting device 140 may be in a state (releasedstate) in which the first filter 120 is separable from the first blowingdevice 100.

The first filter 120 may have a cylindrical shape having an open upperportion. The first filter 120 may include a filter main body 121, whichmay have a cylindrical filter, an inside of which may be empty, and afilter hole 122 formed to be open at an upper end portion or end of thefilter main body 121. A filter grasping portion or grasp 121 a may beprovided at an upper or lower portion of the filter main body 121. Airmay be introduced to the inside of the filter main body 121 through anouter circumferential surface of the film main body 121, and may bedischarged from the first filter 120 through the filter hole 122.

The first blowing device 100 may further include a first filter frame130, which may form a mounting space for the first filter 120. Morespecifically, the first filter frame 130 may include a first frame 131,which may form a lower portion of the first filter frame 130 and asecond frame 132, which may form an upper portion of the first filterframe 130.

The first frame 131 may include a frame depression portion or depression131 a having a downwardly depressed shape. The frame depression portion131 may be configured such that at least a portion of the first frame131 is depressed. The frame depression portion 131 a may be formed at aposition corresponding to the groove portion 114 of the suction grill110. The groove portion 114 and the frame depression portion 131 a mayprovide a space portion or space in which the first and second handles141 and 144 may be movable. The first and second handles 141 and 144 maybe located in the space portion, to rotate in the clockwise direction orin the counterclockwise direction.

The second frame 132 may be spaced apart from the first frame 131 in theupward direction. The second frame 132 may have a substantially ringshape. The ring-shaped inside portion space of the second frame 132 mayform at least a portion of an air flow path passing through the firstfilter frame 130. In addition, an upper portion of the second frame 132may support a first fan housing 150 described hereinafter.

The first filter frame 130 may further include a first filter supportingportion or support 135 that extends from the first frame 131 to thesecond frame 132 in the upward direction. The first frame 131 and thesecond frame 132 may be spaced apart from each other by the first filtersupporting portion 135. A plurality of first filter supporting portions135 may be provided and the plurality of the first filter supportingportions 135 may be arranged in the circumferential direction, and thus,may be connected to rim portions or rims of the first frame 131 and thesecond frame 132. A mounting space of the first filter 120 may bedefined by the plurality of first fitter supporting portions 135 and thefirst frame 131 and the second frame 132.

A sensor device or sensor 137 may be installed or provided in or on thefirst filter frame 130. The sensor device 137 may include a dust sensorthat senses an amount of dust in the air and a gas sensor that senses anamount of gas in the air. The dust sensor and the gas sensor may bedisposed or provided to be supported by the second frame 132 of thefirst filter frame 130.

The first filter 120 may be detachably mounted in the mounting space.The first filter 120 may have a cylindrical shape and air may beintroduced through the outer circumferential surface of the first filter120. Impurities, such as fine dust in air, may be filtered in a processof passing through the first filter 120.

The air may be introduced from any direction relative to the firstfilter 120, by the first filter 120 having the cylindrical shape.Accordingly, a filtering area of air may be increased.

The mounting space may have a cylindrical shape corresponding to theshape of the first filter 120. The first filter 120 may be slidablyintroduced toward the mounting space in a mounting process. In contrast,the first filter 120 may be slidably withdrawn from the mounting spacein a separating process.

That is, when the first and second handles 141 and 144 are operated in astate in which the first filter 120 is located on the upper surface ofthe supporting device 140, the first filter 120 may be in a releasedposition with the first filter 120 being moved in the downwarddirection. The first filter 120 may be slid to the outside in the radialdirection and may be separated from the mounting space.

In contrast, when separated from the mounting space the first filter 120may be slid toward the mounting space to the inside in the radialdirection, supported on the upper surface of the supporting device 140,and thus, may be in close contact upwardly by an operation of the firstand second handles 141 and 144. At this time, the first filter 120 is ina coupling position. A first supporting portion cover 136 may be coupledwith the outside of the first filter supporting portion 135.

The first blowing device 100 may further include a first fan housing150, which may be installed or provided on or at an outlet side of thefirst filter 120. A housing space portion or space 152, in which a firstfan 160 may be accommodated, may be formed in the first fan housing 150.In addition, the first fan housing 150 may be supported by the firstfilter frame 130.

A first fan introducing portion 151 that guides introduction of air toan inside of the first fan housing 150 may be included in a lowerportion of the first fan housing 150, A grill may be provided in or onthe first fan introducing portion 151 to prevent, for example, a fingerof a user from being put into the inside of the first fan housing 150when the first filter 150 is separated.

The first blowing device 100 may further include an ionizer 158 thatremoves or sterilizes smell particles in the air. The ionizer 158 may becoupled to the first fan housing 150 and be capable of acting on the airwhich flows inside of the first fan housing 150.

The sensor device 137 and the ionizer 158 may also be installed orprovided in a second blowing device 200 described hereinafter. Forexample, the sensor device 137 and the ionizer 158 may be installed orprovided in one of the first blowing device 100 or the second blowingdevice 200.

The first fan 160 may be located on or at an the upper side of the firstfan introducing portion 151. For example, the first fan 160 may includea centrifugal fan that introduces air in the axial direction and thendischarges air to the upper side in the radial direction.

The first fan 160 may include a hub 161 to which a rotational shaft 165a of a first fan motor 165, which may be a centrifugal fan motor, may becoupled, a shroud 162 which may be disposed or provided in a state ofbeing spaced apart from the hub 161, and a plurality of blades 163,which may be disposed or provided between the hub 161 and the shroud162. The first fan motor 165 may be coupled to the upper side of thefirst fan 160.

The hub 161 may have a bowl shape, a diameter of which may be graduallyreduced in the downward direction. The hub 161 may include a shaftcoupling portion to which the rotational shaft 165 a may be coupled anda first blade coupling portion that extends at an incline from the shaftcoupling portion in the upward direction.

The shroud 162 may include a lower end portion or lower end, on or atwhich a shroud suction port 162 a, into which air having passed throughthe first fan introducing portion 151 may be suctioned, may be formedand a second blade coupling portion that extends from the lower endportion in the upward direction.

A first surface of each blade 163 may be coupled to the first bladecoupling portion of the hub 161 and a second surface thereof may becoupled to the second blade coupling portion of the shroud 162. Theplurality of blades 163 may be disposed or provided spaced apart in acircumferential direction of the hub 161.

Each blade 163 may include a leading edge 163 a, which forms a side endportion or side end, to which air is introduced, and a trailing edge 163b, which forms a side end portion or side end, from which air is output.The air having passed through the first filter 120 may be introduced tothe first fan housing 150 through the first fan introducing portion 151with the air flowing in the upward direction. The air may flow in theaxial direction of the first fan 160, may be introduced to the firstleading edge 163 a, and may be output to the trailing edge 163 b via theblade 163. The trailing edge 163 b may extend at an inclined to theoutside with respect to the axial direction in the upward directioncorresponding to a flow direction of air so that the air which is outputthrough the trailing edge 163 b is capable of flowing to the upper sidein the radial direction.

Reference to FIG. 5, the first blowing device 100 may further include afirst air guide device or guide 170 which may guide a flow of air havingpassed through the first fan 160 by being coupled to the upper side ofthe first fan 160. The first air guide 170 may include an outer wall 171having a cylindrical shape and an inner wall 172 positioned on or at aninside of the outer wall 171 and having a cylindrical shape. The outerwall 171 may be disposed or provided to surround the inner wall 172. Afirst air flow path 172 a, through which air may flow, may be formedbetween an inner circumferential surface of the outer wall 171 and anouter circumferential surface of the inner wall 172.

The first air guide 170 may include a guide rib 175 which may bedisposed or provided on or in the first air flow path 172 a. The guiderib 175 may extend from the outer circumferential surface of the innerwall 172 to the inner circumferential surface of the outer wall 171. Aplurality of guide ribs 175 may be disposed or provided spaced apartfrom each other. The plurality of guide ribs 175 may guide the airintroduced to the first air flow path 172 a of the first air guide 170via the first fan 160 in the upward direction.

The guide rib 175 may extend at an incline from a lower portion of theouter wall 171 and the inner wall 172 in the upward direction. Forexample, the guide rib 175 may be rounded, and thus, guide air so thatit flows at an incline in the upward direction.

That is, with reference to FIG. 6, the guide rib 175 may include a ribmain body 175 a, which may extend rounded in the upward direction. Therib main body 175 a may include a positive pressurizing surface 175 bwhich faces in a direction in which an air flow approaches and anegative pressuring surface 175 c which is opposite to the positivepressurizing surface 175 b. The positive pressurizing surface 175 b mayhave a concave shape and the negative pressurizing surface 175 c mayhave a convex shape.

The rib main body 175 a may include a leading edge 175 d which forms aside end portion or side end, to which air may be introduced, and atrailing edge 175 e which forms a side end portion or side end, to whichair may be discharged. The leading edge 175 d may be rounded and bentfrom the positive pressurizing surface 175 b toward the negativepressurizing surface 175 c. According to this configuration, a portionof air which is introduced via the leading edge 175 d may be guided tothe positive pressurizing surface 175 b and the rest of the air may beguided to the negative pressurizing surface 175 c. Air which flows tothe negative pressurizing surface 175 c may pass by a plurality ofprojecting portions 175 f.

The plurality of projecting portions 175 f may project from the negativepressurizing surface 175 c and may extend from the leading edge 175 dtoward the trailing edge 175 e. The projecting portion 175 f may have anairfoil shape a projecting height of which may be gradually reduced fromthe leading edge 175 d toward the trailing edge 175 e. Generation of avortex on the negative pressurizing surface 175 c may be prevented, andthus, air may easily flow toward the upper side, due to the plurality ofprojecting portions 175 f formed on the negative pressurizing surface175 c.

The trailing edge 175 e may have a saw tooth shape having peaks andvalleys which may be repeated in the radial direction. According to thisconfiguration, a difference between times at which air is output fromthe trailing edge 175 e, that is, air is output from the peaks andvalleys from each other may be generated, and thus, generation of noisemay be reduced.

The first air guide 170 may further include a motor accommodatingportion 173 that extends from the inner wall 172 to the lower side, andthus, accommodates the first fan motor 165. The motor accommodatingportion 173 may have a bowl shape, a diameter of which may be graduallyreduced in the downward direction. A motor coupling portion 166 may beprovided on or at one side of the first fan motor 165 to fix the firstfan motor 165 to the first air guide 170. A shape of the motoraccommodating portion 173 may correspond to the shape of the hub 161.The motor accommodating portion 173 may be inserted into the hub 161.

The first fan motor 165 may be supported to or at an upper side of themotor accommodating portion 173. The rotational shaft 165 a of the firstfan motor 165 may extend from the first fan motor 165 in the downwarddirection and be coupled to the shaft coupling portion 161 a of the hub161 through the lower surface portion of the motor accommodating portion173.

In addition, a motor coupling portion 166 may be provided on or at anupper side of the first fan motor 165. The motor coupling portion 166may guide the first fan motor 165 to be fixed to the air guide 170.

FIG. 7 is a view of a portion of the air cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is aperspective view of a dividing plate and components coupled to thedividing plate according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explodedperspective view of the dividing plate and components coupled to thedividing plate of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the first blowing device 100 according tothis embodiment may further include a second air guide device or guide180, which may be coupled to the upper side of the first air guide 170and guide air having passed through the first air guide 170 to thedischarge guide 190. The second air guide 180 may include a first guidewall 181, which may have a substantially cylindrical shape, and a secondguide wall 182, which may be positioned at an inside of the first guidewall 181 and have a substantially cylindrical shape. The first guidewall 181 may be disposed or provided to surround the second guide wall182.

A second air flow path 185, through which air may flow, may be formedbetween an inner circumferential surface of the first guide wall 181 andan outer circumferential surface of the second guide wall 182. Air whichflows along the first air flow path 172 a of the first air guide 170 mayflow in the upward direction through the second air flow path 185. Thesecond air flow path 185 may be referred to as a “discharge flow path.”In addition, the first discharge portion 105 may be provided on or at anupper side of the second air flow path 185.

A fastening guide 183, which may be coupled with the first air guide170, may be provided on a lower portion of the second guide wall 182.The fastening guide 183 may extend to the lower side of the second guidewall 182.

A predetermined fastening member may be coupled to the fastening guide183, and the fastening member may be coupled to a fastening rib 178 ofthe first air guide 170. The fastening rib 178 may project from an uppersurface of the motor accommodating portion 173 in the upward direction.A plurality of fastening guides 183 and a plurality of fastening ribs178 may be provided.

The second air guide 180 may further include a wall supporting portionor support 187 that extends from an inner circumferential surface of thefirst guide wall 181 to an outer circumferential surface of the secondguide wall 182. The first guide wall 181 and the second guide wall 182may be stably coupled to each other by the first wall supporting portion187. A plurality of leg supporting portions 187 may be provided. Forexample, the plurality of wall supporting portions 187 may include fourwall supporting portions 187 extending in four directions. In addition,the first discharge guide 190 may be supported on the plurality of wallsupport portions 187.

A first space portion or space 184, in which at least a portion of aprinted circuit board (PCB) device 500 may be accommodated by passingtherethrough in the vertical direction, may be formed inside of thesecond guide wall 182 having a cylindrical shape. The PCB device 500 mayinclude a power supply 520 and a main PCB 511.

The power supply portion 520 may refer to a device that receivescommercial power supplied from a power line connected to the air cleaner10 to supply power to the main PCB 511 and a plurality of components inthe air cleaner 10. The power supply 520 may include a PCB (power PCB)for AC power. The main PCB 511 may include a PCB for DC power, which maybe driven by a DC voltage converted in the PCB for AC power.

The PCB device 500 may further include a PCB supporting plate 525 thatsupports the power supply portion 520 and the main PCB 511. The main PCB511 may be supported on one or a first surface of the PCB supportingplate 525, and the power supply portion 520 may be supported on theother or a second surface of the PCB supporting plate 525.

The PCB device 500 may include a communication module 515 through whichthe air cleaner 10 is capable of communicating with an external device.For example, the communication module 515 may include a Wi-Fi module.The communication module 515 may be supported on the PCB supportingplate 525, and may be disposed or provided at a lower side of the mainPCB 511.

The second air guide 180 may include a bending portion 186 that extendsfrom an upper portion of the first guide wall 181 in an outer direction.The bending portion 186 may extend to the outside in the radialdirection from the upper end of the first guide wall 181 and be bent inthe downward direction. For example, the bending portion 186 may have asubstantially eave shape.

The first blowing device 100 may further include a first discharge guidedevice or guide 190, which may be disposed or provided on or at an upperside of the second air guide 180, that is, an outlet side of air flowpassing through the second air guide 180 relative to the air flow andguide the air discharge to the outside portion of the air cleaner 10.

The first discharge guide 180 may include a first discharge main body191 which forms the second space portion or space 194 on thesubstantially central portion. For example, the first discharge mainbody 191 may have an annular shape.

At least a portion of the PCB device 500 may be accommodated in thesecond space portion 194. The second space portion 194 may be formed onor at an upper side of the first space portion 184 and form aninstallation space portion or space in which the PCB device 500 may beinstalled, along with the first space portion 184.

The first discharge main body 191 may include a first discharge grill195. A plurality of first discharge grills 195 may be provided and thefirst discharge portion 105, by which air may be discharged to theoutside, may be formed between the plurality of first discharge grills195. The plurality of the first discharge grills 195 may be disposed orprovided on or at an upper side of the second air flow path 185, and theair having passed through the second air flow path 185 may flow to thefirst discharge grill 195 side and may be discharged through the firstdischarge portion 105.

The second blowing device 200 may include a second filter member orfilter 220, a supporting device or support that supports a lower portionof the second filter 220, and a lever device or lever, which may beprovided on or at a lower side of the supporting device. As thesupporting device and the lever device may be the same as or similar tothe supporting device 140 and the lever device 132 of the first blowingdevice 100, repetitive disclosure has been omitted.

The second blowing device 200 may include the second filter 220 of thesecond blowing device 220 and a lever supporting device or support 560that supports the lever device. The lever supporting device 560 may havea substantially annular shape. The lever supporting device 560 mayinclude a third space portion or space 564 which defines an installationspace in which the PCB device 510 may be positioned or provided. Thethird space portion 564 may be formed on a substantially central portionof the lever supporting device 560 therethrough in the verticaldirection.

The lever supporting device 560 may include a lever supporting main body561 which may have an annular shape. The lever supporting main body 561may extend toward an outer circumferential surface from an innercircumferential surface thereof to be slightly inclined in the upwarddirection relative to the axial direction. That is, the surfaceconstituting the lever supporting main body 561 may form an inclinedsurface. A space between the inclined surface and the upper surface of adividing plate 430 to be described hereinafter may provide a spaceportion or space in which a user's hand is capable of being located.

The lever supporting main body 561 may be referred to as a “blockingportion” in that air which is discharged through the first dischargeportion 105 of the first blowing device 100 may be blocked from beingintroduced to the second blowing device 200.

The lever supporting device 560 may further include a movement guideportion or guide 565 that protrudes from the lever supporting main body561 in the upward direction. The movement guide 565 may have the sameconfiguration as the movement guide 113 of the first blowing device 100,and therefore, repetitive disclosure has been omitted. For convenienceof description, the movement guide 113 may be referred to as a “firstmovement guide portion or guide” and the movement guide 565 may bereferred to as a “second movement guide portion or guide.”

The lever supporting device 560 may further include a supporting jaw 565that projects from an inner circumferential surface of the leversupporting main body 561 in the upward direction. The supporting jaw 566may support the lever device of the second blowing device 200.

A dividing device 400 may be provided between the first blowing device100 and the second blowing device 200. The dividing device 400 mayinclude a dividing plate 430 that separates or blocks air flow generatedin the first blowing device 100 and air flow generated in the secondblowing device 200. By the dividing plate 430, the first and secondblowing devices 100 and 200 may be spaced apart from each other in thevertical direction.

That is, a separation space in which the dividing plate 430 may belocated or provided may be formed between the first and second blowingdevices 100 and 200. The first discharge guide 190 of the first blowingdevice 100 may be located at a lower end portion or end of theseparation space, and the lever supporting device 510 of the secondblowing device 200 may be located at an upper end portion or end of theseparation space.

The separation space may be divided into an upper space and a lowerspace by the dividing plate 430. The lower space may be a first space448 (see FIG. 12) portion or space through which air discharged from thefirst discharge portion 105 of the first discharge guide 190 may pass ina process in which the air flows to the outside of the air cleaner 10.The upper space may be a second space portion or space 458 (see FIG. 12)that functions as a grasping space into which a user may put his or herhand when moving the air cleaner 10.

Air discharged from the first discharge portion 105 may be guided by thedividing plate 430 to flow to the outside of the air cleaner 10.Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the air from being introducedinto the second blowing device 200.

The dividing plate 430 may include a first plate 440, and a second plate450 coupled to the first plate 440. The second plate 450 may be providedon or at an upper side of the first plate 440. In addition, the firstplate 440 may extend rounded in the upward direction, and the secondplate 450 may extend rounded in the downward direction.

The first plate 440 may include a plate inner wall 441, which may have asubstantially annular shape, and a plate outer wall 443, which maysurround the plate inner wall 441. A fourth space portion or space 449that passes through the first plate 440 in the vertical direction may beformed at a center portion of the plate inner wall 441. The fourth spaceportion 449 may provide an installation space in which at least aportion of the PCB device 500 may be located or provided.

The plate outer wall 443 may extend from the plate inner wall 441 to theoutside in the radial direction. That is, the first plate 440 mayinclude a wall connecting portion 442 a that extends in the radialdirection between a lower end portion or end of the plate inner wall 441and a lower end portion or end of the plate outer wall 443.

The plate outer wall 443 may extend rounded from the wall connectingportion 442 a in the upward direction. For example, at least a portionof the plate outer wall 443 forms a curved portion 444 a (see FIG. 12)having a predetermined curvature radius.

The first plate 440 may include a depression portion or depression 442which defines a space between the plate inner wall 441 and the plateouter wall 443. The depression portion 442 may be depressed in thedownward direction in a space between the upper end portion of the plateinner wall 441 and the upper end portion of the plate outer wall 443.

The first plate 440 may include a first coupling portion 449 a, whichmay be coupled to the second air guide 180. The first coupling portion449 a may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the plateinner wall 441. In addition, the first coupling portion 449 a may becoupled to a second coupling portion 188 of the second air guide 180.The second coupling portion 188 may be provided on an innercircumferential surface of the second guide wall 182.

The plate outer wall 443 may include a first engaging rib 443 b, whichmay be coupled with the second plate 450. The first engaging rib 443 bmay be provided on an upper surface of the plate outside wall 443 and aplurality of engaging ribs may be disposed or provided apart from eachother along the rim of the plate outside wall 443.

A display device or display 460 that displays information relative to anoperation of the air cleaner 10 may be installed or provided at thedividing plate 430. For example, the information may include informationon an air pollution level or air cleanliness.

The display device 460 may be installed or provided in a space betweenthe first plate 440 and the second plate 450. A device mounting portionor mount 445 on which the display device 450 may be mounted, may beformed on the first plate 440. The device mounting portion 445 may beformed on an upper surface of the plate outer wall 443.

An outer circumferential surface of the device seating portion 445 mayproject in the radial direction farther than the outer circumferentialsurface of the plate outer wall 443. According to this configuration, asan outer end portion or end of a diffusion portion or diffuser 446described hereinafter projects to the outside of the first plate 440, anintensity of light displayed on the display device 460 may beimplemented clearly towards the outside (see FIG. 14).

The display device 460 may include a light source 462. The light source462 may be installed or provided on a light supporting portion orsupport 461. The light supporting portion 461 may include a mountinggroove 461 a, into which the light source 462 may be inserted. Forexample, the light source 462 may include a light emitting diode (LED).

The light source 462 may be controlled to implement various colors. Thatis, the light source 462 may implement various colors which correspondto a level of the air cleanliness degree in the indoor space and displayits level. For example, the light source 462 may be controlled toimplement green, yellow, and red. In a case in which the light source462 displays green, the air cleanliness degree of the indoor space maybe in a “high state”, in a case in which the light source 462 displaysyellow, the air cleanliness degree of the indoor space may be in a“medium state”, and in a case in which the light source 462 displaysred, the air cleanliness degree of the indoor space may be in a “lowstate”.

Accordingly, a level of the air cleanliness degree may be intuitivelyprovided to a user by changing the color according to the level and thendisplaying the level. Finally, the air cleanliness degree may be easilydisplayed without additional display means, such as letters or figures.

A plurality of light sources 462 may be provided. The plurality of lightsources 462 may be controlled to implement different colors from eachother. For example, one light source may displays green, another lightsource may display yellow, and another light source may display red.

The display device 460 may further include the diffusion portion 446,which may be provided on or at one side of the light source 462 andtransfer light emitted from the light source 462 to a display portion463. The light may be diffused while passing through the diffusionportion 446. For example, the diffusion portion 446 may be made of atranslucent material. The translucent material may include acrylic orpolymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA).

The diffusion portion 446 may extend from the light source 462 towardthe outside in the radial direction. A cross-sectional area of thediffusion portion 446 may gradually increase toward the outside in theradial direction. According to this configuration, the light which isemitted from the light source 462 may be gradually diffused whilepassing through the diffusion portion 446.

A thickness of the diffusion portion 446 may gradually decreased fromthe light source 462 to the outside in the radial direction. Accordingto this configuration, the light which is emitted from the light source462 may be gradually concentrated while passing through the diffusionportion 446. Accordingly, an intensity of the light may be stronger.

The display device 460 may include reflecting sheets 447 a and 447 b,which may be provided on at least one side of the diffusion portion 446and reflect the light in order to concentrate the light which isdiffused through the diffusion portion 446 on an outer circumferentialsurface of the dividing plate 430. For example, the reflecting sheets447 a and 447 b may include a first reflecting sheet 447 a, which may beprovided on or at an upper side of the diffusion portion 446, and asecond reflecting sheet 447 b, which may be provided on or at a lowerside of the diffusion portion 446. The first reflecting sheet 447 a andthe second reflecting sheet 447 b may be made of an opaque material fromwhich light may be easily reflected. For example, the first reflectingsheet 447 a and the second reflecting sheet 447 b may be made ofpolyethylene naphthalate (PET), stainless steel, brass, or aluminum.

According to this configuration, the light which is emitted from thelight source 462 may be concentrated on the diffusion portion 446 by thefirst reflecting sheet 447 a and the second reflecting sheet 447 b andmay be converted into subtle or soft light while passing through thediffusion portion 446.

The display device 460 may include the display portion 463 that displaysa predetermined color toward the outside. The display portion 463 may beprovided on at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface ofthe dividing plate 430.

That is, the display portion 463 may be disposed or provided between theouter circumferential surfaces of the first plate 440 and the secondplate 450. The display portion 463 may include an outer circumferentialsurface area of the diffusion portion 446. That is, the light, which isemitted from the light source 462 may be reduced to subtle or soft lightwhile passing through the diffusion portion 446 and may be displayedthrough the outer circumferential surface of the diffusion portiontoward the outside.

The display device 460 may further include a lighting PCB device 470that controls an operation of the light source 463. The light source 463may be coupled to the lighting PCB device 470 and then may be disposedto face the diffusion portion 446.

The second plate 450 may include a second plate main body 451, which mayhave a substantially annular shape. The second plate 450 may include aplate seating portion or seat 455 that projects from an innercircumferential surface of the second main body 451 to the inside in theradial direction. The plate seating portion 445 may be depressed from anupper end portion or end of the second plate main body 451 in thedownward direction, and thus, may support the lever supporting device560.

A fifth space portion or space 459, may penetrate in the verticaldirection a central portion of the plate seating portion 455. The fifthspace portion 459 may provide an installation space in which at least aportion of the PCB device 500 may be positioned. The fifth space portion459 may be aligned to a lower side of the fourth space portion 459. Thefirst space portion to the fifth space portion 184, 194, 564, 449, and459 may be aligned in the vertical direction, and thus, provide aninstallation space for the PCB device 500.

The second plate main body 451 may extend at an incline to the outsidein the radial direction. That is, the second plate main body 451 mayinclude an inclined surface 453 that extends at an inclined from theinner circumferential surface of the second plate main body 451 towardthe outer circumferential surface in the downward direction. Forexample, the inclined surface 453 may have a rounded surface whichextends to be rounded.

The second space portion 458 may be formed between a bottom surface ofthe lever supporting main body 561 and the inclined surface 453. Thesecond space portion may be referred to as “grasping space portion” orspace.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line X-X′ in FIG. 8. FIG.11 is a view illustrating a disposition state of a dividing plate and afirst discharge guide according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is an enlargedview of portion “A” in FIG. 10.

With reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 12, the first blowing device 100according to an embodiment may include a second air guide device orguide 180 and a first discharge guide device or guide 190, which may becoupled to an upper side of the second air guide 180 and has the firstdischarge portion 105. The air cleaner 10 may include a dividing plate430, which may be disposed or provided on or at an upper side of thefirst discharge guide 190 and guide the air which is discharged throughthe first discharge portion 105 outside of the air cleaner 10 in theradial direction.

The air cleaner 10 may include the lever supporting device 560, whichmay be coupled to an upper side of the dividing plate 430. The leversupporting device 560 may form a lower configuration of the secondblowing device 200.

The air having passed through the first fan 160 may flow in the upwarddirection while passing through the first air guide 170 and may bedischarged from the discharge guide 190 through the second air guide 180in the upward direction. The air discharged in the upward direction maybe changed in direction to the outside in the radial direction by thedividing plate 430 and then may be discharged to the outside of the aircleaner 10.

The second plate 450 may be stably coupled to an upper side of the firstplate 440. The plate inner wall 441 of the first plate 440 may include afirst wall 441 a, a second wall 441 b that extends in the verticaldirection and spaced apart from the first wall 441 a, and a third wall441 c that connects upper portions of the first wall 441 a and thesecond wall 441 b with each other.

The first wall 441 a may be disposed or provided on or at an outside ofthe second wall 441 b, and the third wall 441 c may support a lowersurface of the second plate 450. According to this configuration, astable coupling structure of the first plate 440 and the second plate450 may be implemented.

The plate outer wall 443 of the first plate 440 may be supported by anupper side of the second guide wall 182 of the second air guide 180. Theplate outer wall 443 may include a curved portion 444 a, which mayextend rounded with a predetermined curvature from the first dischargeportion 105. A direction in which the curved portion 444 a extendsrounded may be understood as a direction of extending from a lower endportion or end of the plate outer wall 443 to an upper side in theradial direction. According to the configuration of the curved portion444 a, change in direction to the outside in the radial direction may beeasily performed with flow resistance to the air, which is dischargedthrough the first discharge portion 105 of the first discharge guide 190in the upward direction, being reduced.

The plate outer wall 443 may include a straight surface portion 444 b,which may extend linearly. The straight surface portion 444 b may extendfrom the curved surface portion 444 a to the outside in the radialdirection. By including the straight surface portion 444 b, the airwhich may begin to change in direction through the curved surfaceportion 444 a may be guided by the straight surface portion 444 b andmay be easily discharged to the outside in the radial direction of theair cleaner 10.

The second plate 450 may be coupled to an upper side of the first plate440. A second engaging rib (not illustrated), which may be coupled tothe first engaging rib 443 b of the first plate 440 may be included in alower surface of the second plate 450.

The second plate main body 451 of the second plate 450 may include aninclined surface 453 that extends rounded. A direction of the inclinedsurface 453 may be a direction of extending from an upper end portion orend of an inner circumferential surface of the second plate main body451 to a lower side in the radial direction.

The plate outer wall 443 may include a first end portion or end 443 b,which may be coupled with the second end portion 451 a of the secondplate 450. A first end portion or end 443 a may form the straightsurface portion 444 b, in particular, an end portion of the deviceseating portion 445. The second end portion 451 a may form an endportion of the second plate main body 451.

The display device 460 may be disposed or provided on or in a space ofthe first plate 440 and the second plate 450. The display device 460 mayinclude a light supporting portion or support 461, which may be disposedor provided on an upper surface of the plate outer wall 443, the lightsource 462, which may be installed or provided on the mounting groove 46of the light supporting portion 461, and the diffusion portion 446,which may be disposed on the outside of the light source 461 and extendin the radial direction.

The diffusion portion 446 may include a third portion 446 a, which maybe disposed or provided between the first end portion 443 a of the plateouter wall 443 and the second end portion 451 a of the second plate 450.The third end portion 446 a may form an outer circumferential surface ofthe diffusion portion 446. The first end portion 443 a, the third endportion 446 a, and the second end portion 451 a may be aligned in thevertical direction. According to this configuration, a line of thediffusion portion 446 which emits subtle or soft light to the spacebetween the first plate 440 and the second plate 450 may be exposed tothe outside. The line of the diffusion portion 446 may form the displayportion 463.

A first sheet supporting portion or support 447, which may support alower surface of the second reflecting sheet 447 b, may be provided onthe plate outer wall 443. The first sheet supporting portion 447 mayproject from the upper surface of the plate outside wall 443 in theupward direction and may be in contact with the second reflecting sheet447 b.

The second plate main body 451 may include a second sheet supportingportion or support 457 that presses an upper surface of the firstreflecting sheet 447 a. The second sheet supporting portion 457 mayproject from a lower surface of the second plate main body 451 in thedownward direction and may be in contact with the first reflecting sheet447 a. According to this configuration of the first sheet supportingportion 447 and the second sheet supporting portion 457, the diffusionportion 446 and the first reflecting sheet 447 a and the secondreflecting sheet 447 b may be easily fixed by the dividing plate 430.

The second air guide 180 may include a bending portion 186 that extendsfrom the first guide wall 181 in the outer direction. The bendingportion 186 may include a first extending portion or extension 186 athat extends from the first guide wall 181 to the outside in the radialdirection, and a second extending portion or extension 186 b thatextends from the first extending portion 186 a in the downwarddirection.

The first discharge guide 190 may be disposed or provided on an upperside of the second air guide 180. The first discharge guide 190 mayinclude a first discharge main body 191 having an annular shape. Thefirst discharge main body 191 may include a plurality of dischargegrills 195 that extends from an inner circumferential surface toward anouter circumferential surface of the first discharge main body 191 andforms the first discharge portion 105. The inner circumferential surfaceof the first discharge main body 191 may be in contact with an outersurface of the curved surface portion 444 a.

The first discharge main body 191 may further include a bend supportingportion or support 197, which may be provided between the plurality ofdischarge grills 195 and supported by the first extending portion 186 a.A plurality of bend supporting portions 197 may be provided along a rimof the first discharge main body 191. The bend supporting portion 197may be connected to the outside of the plurality of discharging grills195 in the radial direction.

Discharge of air may be blocked in a space in which the first extendingportion 186 a and the bend supporting portion 197 are aligned in thevertical direction. In summary, the first discharge portion 105 may bean inside space formed by an inner circumferential surface of the firstdischarge main body 191, the two closest discharge grills 195, and thebend supporting portion 197. A plurality of first discharge portion 105may be included.

The first discharge guide 190 may further include a grill supportingportion or support 196, which may be supported by the wall supportingportion 187 of the second air guide 180. The grill supporting portion196 may be disposed or provided between one discharge grill and theother discharge grill of the plurality of discharge grills 195. A numberof the grill supporting portion 196 may be provided to correspond to anumber of the wall supporting portion 187. For example, as describedabove, in a case where four wall supporting portions 187 are provided,four grill supporting portions 196 may be provided. A discharge flowpath, that is, the first discharge portion 105 may not be provided in aspace in which the wall supporting portions 187 and the grill supportingportion 196 is provided.

An outermost portion of the dividing plate 430 in the radial directionmay be positioned further than an outermost of the first dischargeportion 105 in the radial direction. That is, when a first imaginaryline l1 that vertically extends to the outermost portion of the firstdischarge portion 105 in the radial direction is defined, the firstimaginary line l1 passes through the dividing plate 430.

When a second imaginary line l2 that extends along the outercircumferential surface of the second guide wall 192 of the second airguide 180 in the vertical direction is defined, the second imaginaryline l2 passes through an innermost portion of the first dischargeportion 105. Accordingly, a distance w1 between the first imaginary linel1 and the second imaginary line l2 may indicate a width of the firstdischarge portion 105. When a third imaginary line l3 that extends alongthe outer circumferential surface of the second extending portion 186 bin the vertical direction is defined, the third imaginary line l3 passesthrough the end portions 443 a and 451 a of the dividing plate 430.

A distance w2 between the second imaginary line l2 and the thirdimaginary line l3 may indicate a width of the first extending portion186 a or the bend supporting portion 197 in the radial direction. Awidth of the dividing plate 430 in the radial direction may correspondto a value which adds the width w1 of the first discharge portion 105and the width w2 of the first extending portion 186 a.

In summary, as the inner circumferential surface of the first dischargemain body 191 is disposed or provided to be in contact with the curvedsurface portion 444 a of the dividing plate 430, the innermost portionof the first discharge portion 105 may be understood as one disposed onthe position corresponding to the curved surface portion 444 a. A widthw1+w2 of the dividing plate 430 in the radial direction may be greaterthan the width w1 of the discharge portion 105 by the width w2 of thefirst extending portion 186 a.

Accordingly, as the dividing plate 430 is elongated to completely coverthe upper side of the first discharge portion 105 and an outermostportion of the dividing plate 430 is further positioned on the outsidethan the outermost portion of the first discharging portion 105, aphenomenon where the air which is discharged through the first dischargeportion 105 is introduced to the second blowing device 200 over thedividing plate 430, that is, an air returning phenomenon may beprevented.

When a center line Co of the air cleaner 10 in the radial direction isdefined, a distance S1 from the center line Co to the outermost portionof the dividing plate 430 may be greater than a distance S2 to theoutermost portion of the discharge flow path 185, which may be formed onthe first discharge guide 190. The center line Co may constitute acenter line of the first blowing device 100 or a center line of thesecond blowing device 200.

The first end portion 443 a and the second end portion 451 a may bedisposed or provided on or at the outermost portion of the dividingplate 430 and the first guide wall 181 may be disposed or provided onthe outermost portion of the discharge flow path 185. That is, thedistance S1 may be a distance from the center line Co to the first endportion 443 a and the second end portion 451 a and the distance S2 maybe a distance from the center line Co to the first guide wall 181.

According to the configuration, as the dividing plate 430 is elongatedto completely cover the outside portion of the discharge flow path 185while being disposed on the upper side of the discharge flow path 185, aphenomenon of the air which is discharged from the discharging flow path185 being guided by the dividing plate 430, being discharged in theradial direction and then being suctioned to the second blowing device200 over the dividing plate 430 may be limited.

The lighting PCB device 470 may include a lighting PCB 471, to which thelight source 462 may be coupled and which controls operation of thelight source 462, and a PCB case 472, on which the lighting PCB 471, maybe mounted. Hereinafter, the lighting PCB device 470 will be described.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling between a lightingPCB device and a first plate according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is anexploded perspective view of the lighting PCB device and the first plateaccording to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view ofthe lighting PCB device according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a viewillustrating a state in which light emitted from a light source istransferred toward the outside of the air cleaner, with respect to thediffusion portion according to an embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, the lighting PCB device 470according to this embodiment may include the lighting PCB 471, on whichthe light source 462 may be mounted, and the PCB case 472, which may becoupled to the lighting PCB 471.

The lighting PCB 472 may be separately mounted to the PCB case 472. ThePCB case 472 may have a substantially cube shape, a lower portion ofwhich may be opened. The PCB case 472 may include a guide groove 473that guides a coupling of the lighting PCB 471. The guide groove 473 maybe included on both sides of an inside surface of the PCB case 472.

The lighting PCB 472 may be coupled to the PCB case 472 while beingmoved from a lower side of the PCB case 472 in the upward directionalong the guide groove 473. In contrast, when the lighting PCB 472 isseparated from the PCB case 472, the lighting PCB 471 may be slid fromthe PCB case 472 in the downward direction.

A fastening hole 474 to fasten a fastening member 476 may be formed inthe PCB case 472. The fastening member 476 may be coupled to thefastening hole 474 in a state in which the lighting PCB 471 is coupledto the PCB case 472. When the fastening member 476 is coupled to thefastening hole 474, the fastening member 476 may support the lightingPCB 471, and thus, the lighting PCB 471 may be prevented from beingseparated from the PCB case 472.

The light source 462 may be mounted on a surface of the lighting PCB471. One surface of the lighting PCB 471 may be a surface that faces thediffusion portion 446. The PCB case 472 may be coupled to a plate insidesurface of the first plate 440. A seating portion or seat 441 d, in oron which the PCB case 472 may be seated, may be formed in the plateinner wall 441. The seating portion 441 d may be depressed from theupper surface in the downward direction of the plate inner wall 441.

The plate inner wall 441 may include a jaw 441 e that extends from theupper surface of the plate inner wall 441 in the downward directiontoward the seating portion 441 d. By the jaw 441 e, a step between anupper surface of the plate inner wall 441 and the seating portion 441 dmay be defined. The jaw 441 e may be provided on both sides of theseating portion 441 d and perform a function of supporting the PCB case472.

For example, the PCB case 472 may be coupled by sliding from the insideof the plate inside wall 441 toward the seating portion 441 d. When thePCB case 472 is coupled to the seating portion 441 d, the light source462 provided in the lighting PCB 471 may be inserted into the mountinggroove 461 a of the light supporting portion 461. The light source 462may emit light toward the diffusion portion 461.

With reference to FIG. 16, the light source 462 may emit light towardthe diffusion portion 446, which may be toward the outside in the radialdirection by the control of the lighting PCB 471. The light may bediffused through the diffusion portion 446, and in this process, whenlight reaches the first reflecting sheet 447 a and the second reflectingsheet 447 b, reflection of the light may be performed. Light may bemoved again to the diffusion portion 446 by the reflection.

Finally, in the process of diffusion and reflection, light may beconcentrated on a portion having a thin thickness of the diffusionportion 446 while moving to the outside in the radial direction.Finally, the light which is emitted from the light source 462 may begradually concentrated while passing through the diffusion portion 446.Accordingly, an intensity of the light may be stronger. A third endportion or end 446 a of the diffusion portion 446 may form the displayportion 463.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a state in which the light emitted fromthe light source is transferred toward the outside of the air cleaner,with respect to the diffusion portion according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating the diffusion portion according to anembodiment. That is, the display device according to another embodimentmay include lighting PCB 472, on which the light source 462 may beinstalled or provided, and diffusion portion 746, which may be disposedor provided to or at the outside of the light source 462 and transmitthe light. Repetitive description of the disposition of the lightsource, the lighting PCB, and the diffusion portion has been omitted, asit is the same or similar as the embodiment described in FIG. 16.

The diffusion portion 746 may be made of transparent material. Thetransparent material may include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)material.

The diffusion portion 746 may extend from the light source 462 towardthe outside in the radial direction and a cross-sectional area of thediffusion portion 746 may gradually increased to the outside in theradial direction. A thickness of the diffusion portion 746 may begradually decreased from the light source 462 in the radial direction.

The display device may include a diffusion sheet 747, which may beprovided on an outer circumferential surface of the diffusion portion746 and which may be uniformly displayed by scattering the light whichpasses through the diffusion portion 746. The diffusion sheet 747 mayform the display portion 463.

The diffusion sheet 747 may be made of translucent material or opaquematerial. For example, the diffusion sheet 744 may be configured byPolyethylene phthalate (PET) or polycarbonate material. The light (dashline arrow), which may be transmitted through the diffusion portion 746made of transparent material may be uniformly displayed by beingscattered while passing through the diffusion sheet 747. Finally, when auser looks at the display device from the outside of the air cleaner 10,the user may recognize emission of subtle or soft light, and thus, userconvenience may be improved.

With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the second blowing device 200 willbe described hereinafter.

The second blowing device 200 may include a lever device and asupporting device or support, which may be provided on or at an upperside of the lever supporting device 560. As the lever device and thesupporting device are the same as or similar to the lever device 142 andthe supporting device 140 of the first blowing device 100, repetitivedisclosure has been omitted.

The second blowing device 200 may include a second filter member orfilter 220, the second filter frame 230, the second fan housing 250, thesecond fan 260, and the fan motor 265. As these components are the sameor similar to the first filter 120, the first filter frame 130, thefirst fan housing 150, the first fan 160, and the first fan motor 165,which are provided in the first blowing device 100, repetitivedisclosure has been omitted.

The second blowing device 200 may include a third air guide device orguide 270 that guides a flow of air having passed through the second fan260 by being coupled to an upper side of the second fan 260. As thethird air guide 270 is the same as or similar to the first air guide170, repetitive disclosure has been omitted.

The third air guide 270 may include a guide device or guide that guide amovement of the flow adjusting device 300. The guide may include a firstrack and a shaft guide groove. The second blowing device 200 may includea second discharge guide device or guide 280, which may be installed orprovided to or at an upper side of the third air guide 270 and guide aflow of air having passed through the third air guide 270.

The flow adjusting device 300 may be movable on an upper side of thesecond discharge guide 280. The flow adjusting device 300 may include athird fan 330. The third fan 330 may guide discharge air which passesthrough the third air guide 270 outside of the air cleaner 10. A thirdfan motor 335 may be coupled to the third fan 330.

The third fan 330 may include an axial flow fan. That is, the third fan330 may be operated in order to axially discharge air which is axiallyintroduced by passing through the third air guide 270. The air passingthrough the third fan 330 may be discharged through the second dischargeportion 305, which may be positioned on or at an upper side of the thirdfan 330 to the outside.

In the air cleaner 10, a discharging blowing amount may be improved andair discharged in various directions, as the second discharge portion305 along with the first discharge portion 105 of the first blowingdevice 100 may be provided.

A display device or display 600, on which operating information of theair cleaner 10 may be displayed, may be provided on an upper surface ofthe air cleaner 10. The display device 600 may include a display PCB618. The display PCB 618 may be installed or provided in a space betweenthe upper surface of the air cleaner 10 and the third fan 330.

The first fan motor 165 and the second fan motor 265 may be disposed orprovided in series relative to a longitudinal direction of the aircleaner 10. The second fan motor 265 and the third fan motor 335 may bedisposed or provided in series relative to the longitudinal direction ofthe air cleaner 10.

The flow adjusting device 300 may further include a rotation guidedevice or guide that guides rotation in the lateral direction androtation in the vertical direction of the flow adjusting device 300. Therotation in the lateral direction may be referred to as a “firstdirection rotation” and the rotation in the vertical direction may bereferred to as a “second direction rotation”.

The rotation guide device may include a first guide mechanism or guidethat guides the first direction rotation of the flow adjusting device300 and a second guide mechanism or guide that guides the seconddirection rotation of the flow adjusting device 300. The first guide mayinclude a first gear motor 363 that generates a drive force and a firstgear 360, which may be rotatably coupled to the first gear motor 363 tobe rotatable. For example, the first gear motor 363 may include a stepmotor a rotation angle of which may be easily controlled.

The second guide may include a rotating guide member or guide 370 (seeFIG. 18) that guides rotation in the second direction of the flowadjusting device 300. The rotating guide 370 may include a rack 374.

The second guide may include a second gear motor 367 that generates adrive force and a second gear 365, which may be coupled to the secondgear motor 367. For example, the second gear motor 367 may be a stepmotor. When the second gear motor 367 is driven, the rotation guide 370may rotate in the vertical direction by linkage of the second gear 365and the second rack 374. Accordingly, the flow adjusting device 300 mayperform rotation in the second direction according to the movement ofthe rotation guide 370.

When the flow adjusting device 300 rotates in the second direction, theflow adjusting device may in a “second position” at which it projectsfrom the upper surface of the air cleaner 10 (see FIG. 18). In contrast,as illustrated in FIG. 3, a position in which the flow adjusting device300 is laid out may be referred to as a “first position”.

FIG. 18 to FIG. 20 are views illustrating an air flow state in the aircleaner of FIG. 1.

First, a flow of air according to operation of the first blowing device100 is described hereinafter. When the first fan 160 is driven, indoorair is suctioned into the inside of the first case 101 through the firstsuction portion 102 and the base suction portion 103. The suctioned airpasses through the first filter 120 and foreign materials in the air maybe filtered in this process. In the process of the air passing throughthe first filter 120, air may be suctioned in a radial direction of thefirst filter 120, filtered, and then flow in the upward direction.

The air which has passed through the first filter member 120 may flow tothe upper side in the radial direction while passing through the firstfan 160 and stably flow in the upward direction while passing throughthe first air guide 170 and the second air guide 180. Air passingthrough the first air guide 170 and the second air guide 180 may pass bythe first discharge guide 190 and flow in the upward direction throughthe first discharge portion 105. Air which is discharged through thefirst discharge portion 105 may be guided by the dividing plate 430which may be positioned at an upper side of the first discharge guide190, and thus, may be discharged outside of the air cleaner 10.

In particular, a direction of the air which flows in the upwarddirection may be changed to the outside in the radial direction whileflowing along the curved surface portion 444 a and the straight surfaceportion 444 b, which may be provided on the first plate 440 of thedividing plate 430. As the outermost portion in the radial direction ofthe dividing plate 430 is located outward of the outermost portion ofthe flow path of air discharged through the first discharge portion 105,it is possible to prevent the air discharged from the first dischargeportion 105 from flowing in the upward direction, and air discharged inthe radial direction may be effectively guided.

When the second fan 260 is driven, indoor air may be suctioned into theinside of the second case 201 through the second suction portion 202,The suctioned air may pass through the second filter 220, and in thisprocess, foreign materials in the air may be filtered. In the process ofthe air passing through the second filter 220, air may be suctioned inthe radial direction of the first filter 120, filtered, and then flow inthe upward direction.

Air having passed through the second filter 220 may flow to the upperside in the radial direction while passing through the second fan 160,and stably flow in the upward direction while passing through the thirdair guide 270 and the second discharge guide 280. Air having passesthrough the third air guide 270 and the second discharge guide 280 maybe discharged through the second discharge portion 305 via the flowadjusting device 300.

If the flow adjusting device 300 is in the first position in which theflow adjusting 300 is laid out, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, air whichis discharged from the flow adjusting device 300 flows in the upwarddirection. On the other hand, if the flow adjusting device 300 is in thesecond position in which the flowing adjusting device 300 is inclined,as shown in FIG. 18, air which is discharged from the flow adjustingdevice 300 may flow toward the front upper side. By the flow adjustingdevice 300, an amount of air which is discharged from the air cleaner 10may be increased, and purified air may be supplied to a position a fardistant from the air cleaner 10.

According to embodiments disclosed herein, a suction capacity may beimproved as the suction portion may be formed along an outercircumferential surface of a cylindrical case and a structuralresistance of the case may not be generated in an air suction process.In particular, a plurality of apertures may be included on the suctionportion and a suction flow path, which may be directed to the insideportion of the air cleaner, may be formed in 360 degree directionsrelative to the air cleaner, as the plurality of apertures may be formedevenly over an entire outer circumferential surface of the case.Finally, a suction area of air may be increased and air around a personin a room may be sufficiently suctioned where the person in the roomsitting down or standing up.

Discharge of air in the upward direction may be guided through thesecond blowing device and a discharge of air in the frontward directionmay be guided by the flow adjusting device, which may be provided on theupper side of the second blowing device. Discharge of air in the lateraldirection may be guided, in a process of rotating of the flow adjustingdevice. Finally, an air cleaning function of the indoor space may beimproved as discharge of air in various directions is guided relative tothe air cleaner and a discharging air flow may be formed to extend along distance from the air cleaner. A discharge air flow may be easilygenerated toward a circumferential space of a person in the room whetherthe person in the room sitting down or standing up.

As the second blowing device may be disposed or provided on the upperside of the first blowing device, a dividing plate may be providedbetween the first blowing device and the second blowing device, and theair which is discharged from the first blowing device is capable ofbeing guided to the outside in the radial direction by the dividingplate, air which is discharged from the first blowing device may beprevented from being re-introduced to the second blowing device.

The discharging flow path which passes through the first discharge guideof the first blowing device may extend in the upward direction and thedividing plate may extend sufficiently long to the outside in the radialdirection at the upper side of the discharging flow path, and thus, theair in the discharge flow path may be prevented from being introduced tothe second blowing device through the dividing plate. That is, as thecircumferential surface of the dividing plate further extends to theoutside in the radial direction than the outside path of the dischargeflow path, the air which passes through the discharge flow path may beguided by the dividing plate, and thus, is capable of easily flowing inthe outside direction of the air cleaner.

As the display device is provided, and thus, the information related tooperation of the air cleaner is capable of being displayed, an operationof the air cleaner may easily be recognized by the user. In particular,the information related to the operation of the air cleaner may includeinformation related to an air cleanliness degree in the indoor space,and thus, the user may control the operation of the air cleaner, basedon the information related to the air cleanliness degree, which may bedisplayed on the display device. For example, when the air cleanlinessdegree in the indoor space is relatively reduced, the user may increasea blowing amount of the air cleaner and when the air cleanliness degreein the indoor space is relatively increased, the user may decrease theblowing amount of the air cleaner.

According to the operation of the air cleaner, as the user may confirm astate in which the air cleanliness degree in the indoor space isimproved through the display device, reliability of the air cleaner maybe improved. Further, as the display device is installed or providedinside of the dividing plate, and thus, does not required an additionalspace for installing the display device, space utilization of the aircleaner may be improved.

As the display portion, which may be provided in the display device maybe provided in a space between a first plate and a second plate of thedividing plate and extends lengthwise along the outer circumferentialsurface of the dividing plate, a large or wide space for providing thedisplay portion is not required. For example, the display portion may bedisplayed with a line having a predetermined thickness. In addition, thedisplay portion may be capable of Implementing a predetermined colorwhich indicates the air cleanliness degree in the indoor space, and theuser may intuitively recognize the air cleanliness degree through thecolor. Finally, as it is not necessary to display letters, numbers, orfigures, for example, to display information on the display portion, theconfiguration of the display portion may be compact.

As a light emitting diode (LED) is included in a light source which isprovided in the display device, it is possible to implement variouscolors. As a diffusion portion or diffuser made of translucent materialwhich is capable of subtly implementing light emitted from the lightsource is provided in the outside of the light source, recognition bythe user through the displaying portion may be conveniently performed.

As a reflecting sheet is provided in the upper side or the lower side ofthe diffusion portion, and thus, light emitted from the light source iscollected in the diffusion portion, an intensity of color through thediffusion portion is prevented from weakening. A blowing capacity of theair cleaner may be improved as the plurality of blowing devices may beprovided.

The air which flows in the radial direction through the centrifugal fanmay be easily guided toward the discharge portion in the upwarddirection, as the centrifugal fan for increasing the blowing capacity ofthe air cleaner and the air guide device which is disposed on or at anoutlet side of the centrifugal fan may be provided.

Further, interference between the air flows may be prevented as the airflows which are independent from each other may be generated through thefirst blowing device and the second blowing device. Accordingly, an airflowing capacity may be improved.

A suction area may be increased as air may be introduced inside of thefilter from all directions outside of the filter by the filter beingprovided in a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, an air cleaning capacityof the filter may be improved.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air cleaner which is capableimproving a suction capacity of air which is suctioned to the aircleaner. Embodiments disclosed herein further provide an air cleanerwhich is capable of sufficiently suctioning air around a person in aroom whether the person in the room is sitting down or standing up byincluding a suction flow path which is directed from a circumferentialdirection of the air cleaner to an inside portion thereof and a suctionflow path through which air is introduced through an upper portion and alower portion of the air cleaner.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air cleaner which is capable ofdischarging air from the air cleaner in various directions and sendingthe discharged air a long distance. Embodiments disclosed herein providean air cleaner which is capable of easily discharging air toward asurrounding space of a person in a room whether the person in the roomsitting down or standing up by a discharge air flow being easilygenerated in an upward direction, a frontward direction, and lateraldirections of the air cleaner.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air cleaner which includes adisplay device or display which is capable of displaying informationrelated to an operation of the air cleaner, and thus, a user may becapable of intuitively recognizing the information. Embodimentsdisclosed herein provide an air cleaner which does not require anadditional space for installing the display device by proposing anoptimal position related to the installation of the display device.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air cleaner which is capable ofeasily guiding air which is discharged from the air cleaner outside ofthe air cleaner and preventing the discharged air from beingreintroduced to the air cleaner. Embodiments disclosed herein provide anair cleaner a blowing capacity of which may be increased.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air cleaner in which an airguide device or guide is provide which allows air passing through acentrifugal fan to be capable of easily flowing toward a dischargeportion in an upward direction in a case of adopting a centrifugal fanin order to increase a blowing capacity. Embodiments disclosed hereinalso provide an air cleaner which improves a purification capacity of afilter and in which replacement of the filter may easily be performed.Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air cleaner in which a filtermay be easily installed without an installation space for installing thefilter in the inside portion of an air cleaner being additionallyprovided.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide an air cleaner that may include afirst air cleaning module in which a first fan that generates an airflow from a first suction portion or inlet toward a first dischargeportion or outlet may be provided; a second air cleaning module in whicha second fan that generates air flow from a second suction portion orinlet toward a second discharge portion or outlet may be provided; adividing plate which may be disposed between the first air cleaningmodule and the second air cleaning module; and a display device ordisplay, which may be disposed or provided on or at an inside portion ofthe dividing plate and in which a light source may be provided.

The display device may include a display portion, which may be providedon at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of thedividing plate and which displays information related to an operation ofthe air cleaner. The display device may further include a diffusionportion or diffuser, which may transfer the light emitted from the lightsource to the display portion. The dividing plate may include a firstplate and a second plate, which may be coupled to an upper side of thefirst plate. The diffusion portion may be disposed or provided betweenthe first plate and the second plate.

The air cleaner may further include a sheet supporting portion orsupport, which may project from the first plate or the second plate andsupport the diffusion portion. The display may be formed on an endportion or end of the diffusion portion.

The display device may include a lighting PCB, on which the light sourcemay be mounted, and a PCB case, to which the lighting PCB may becoupled. The PCB case may be slid and coupled to the first plate.

The diffusion portion may be made of ABS, which is transparent material.The display device may further include a diffusion sheet, which may beprovided in the diffusion portion and scatter the light transmittingthrough the diffusion portion.

The diffusion portion may be made of acrylic or polymethyl methacrylateresin (PMMA), which is a translucent material. The display device mayfurther include reflecting sheets, which may be provided to or at anupper side and a lower side of the diffusion portion and reflect thelight emitted from the light source to the diffusion portion.

A lighting support portion or support including a mounting groove, intowhich the light source may be inserted, may be included in a spacebetween the first plate and the second plate.

The diffusion portion may extend from the light source toward thedisplay portion in the radial direction. A cross-sectional area of thediffusion portion may gradually increase in the radial direction. Athickness of the diffusion portion may gradually decrease from the lightsource in the radial direction.

The information related to the operation of the air cleaner may includeinformation related to an air cleanliness degree in the indoor space.

The light source may be implemented various colors in order to indicatea level of the air cleanliness degree in the indoor space and thendisplay the level. The light source may include a LED.

The dividing plate may be disposed or provided to or at an upper side ofthe first discharge portion of the first air cleaning module, and thus,guide the air which is discharged from the first discharge portion tothe outside in the radial direction.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances ofsuch phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection withany embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of oneskilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modificationsare possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. An air cleaner, comprising: a first air cleaningmodule including a first fan, and a first discharge outlet through whichair is discharged from the first air cleaning module; a second aircleaning module including a second fan, and a second discharge outletthrough which air is discharged from the second air cleaning module; anair guide provided between the first air cleaning module and the secondair cleaning module, wherein the air guide includes an upper guide and alower guide, wherein a space between the upper guide and the lower guideforms a diffuser for at least one light emitting diode (LED).
 22. Theair cleaner according to claim 21, wherein an outlet of the diffuser isprovided at an outer circumferential surface of the air guide.
 23. Theair cleaner according to claim 22, wherein the outlet of the diffuserforms a display that provides an indication of predeterminedinformation.
 24. The air cleaner according to claim 23, wherein thepredetermined information is related to an operation of the air cleaner.25. The air cleaner according to claim 24, wherein the predeterminedinformation related to the operation of the air cleaner includesinformation related to an air cleanliness degree in an indoor space. 26.The air cleaner according to claim 25, wherein the at least one LEDoutputs a plurality of colors in order to indicate a level of aircleanliness degree in the indoor space and thus display the level. 27.The air cleaner according to claim 21, wherein the upper guide and thelower guide include a first plate and a second plate, respectively. 28.The air cleaner according to claim 21, wherein the diffuser includes atransparent material.
 29. The air cleaner according to claim 28, furtherincluding: a support that projects from the first guide or the secondguide and supports the transparent material.
 30. The air cleaneraccording to claim 28, wherein the transparent material is at least oneof acryolinitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylic, or polymethylmethacrylate resin (PMMA).
 31. The air cleaner according to claim 28,wherein the diffuser further includes at last one reflecting sheetprovided at at least one of an upper side or a lower side of thetransparent sheet, the at least one reflecting sheet reflecting thelight emitted from the at least one LED to the diffuser.
 32. The aircleaner according to claim 28, wherein the diffuser further includes adiffusion sheet provided at an outer circumferential surface of thetransparent material, the diffusion sheet scattering the lighttransmitted through the diffuser.
 33. The air cleaner according to claim21, further including a PCB on which the at least one LCD is mounted anda PCB case to which the PCB is coupled.
 34. The air cleaner according toclaim 33, wherein the PCB case is slidingly coupled to the lower guide.35. The air cleaner according to claim 21, further including a supportincluding a mounting groove in which the at least one LED is inserted,the support being provided between the first guide and the second guide.36. The air cleaner according to claim 21, wherein the diffuser extendsfrom the at least one LED toward an outer circumferential surface of theair guide in a radial direction, and wherein a cross-sectional area ofthe diffuser gradually increases in the radial direction.
 37. The aircleaner according to claim 36, wherein a thickness of the diffusergradually decreases as it extends from the at least one LED in theradial direction.
 38. The air cleaner according to claim 21, wherein theair guide includes a dividing plate provided at an upper side of thefirst discharge outlet of the first air cleaning module and thus guidesthe air which is discharged from the first discharge outlet to theoutside of the air cleaner in the radial direction.